There are many articles that address specific diagnostics in the program. The best way to search is to use the diagnostic reference number, using only the numeric digits. Searching this way will give you the best and most accurate results. Try our Find My Diagnostic Center here.
Example: (ref. #1253), search for '1253'
Note: Articles are not available for all diagnostics. Most diagnostics do not require additional information.
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Help Articles
To find solutions to specific diagnostics, try our Find My Diagnostic Center here. Just enter the reference number and click Search.
Basic information and questions about Diagnostics
What is the best way to search for more information about a diagnostic?
What is the Diagnostic Reference number?
The Diagnostic reference number is a way for Lacerte support to quickly identify diagnostics that are generating in our database. In prior year Lacerte, the reference numbers were only displayed by holding down Ctrl+Alt+R while on the Diagnostics tab. Beginning in Lacerte 2012 the reference numbers are displayed automatically at the end of each diagnostic message, displayed as (ref. #xxx).
What Diagnostics will prevent a return from being e-filed?
E-file critical diagnostics and Fatal critical diagnostics will stop an e-file return from being e-filed. E-file critical diagnostics typically generate when Lacerte recognizes something that will cause an e-file reject. Make sure to resolve any e-file critical diagnostics and fatal critical diagnostics before continuing to e-file. Additionally, some critical diagnostics that are not e-file critical diagnostics will stop the return from being e-filed.
How can I tell if a Critical Diagnostic will stop the e-file?
You can validate the e-file to check if any diagnostics will stop the return from being filed.
- Click on Print
- Select Tax Return
- Select e-file validation only at the bottom of the third column in the Return section
- Click OK
What are Informational Diagnostics?
Informational Diagnostics will generate to inform you of basic information regarding a specific return, potential issues, court cases, publication information… Typically Informational diagnostics are optional; however, it is up to you to read and deem if the information we are providing needs to be completed.
What are Critical Diagnostics?
Critical Diagnostics list items that may interfere with filing a correct return. Typically, these warnings are for entries that you must complete or correct before filing a tax return. However, some critical diagnostics are informational diagnostics that developers have made critical so you will pay attention to them. These diagnostics will not stop the e-filing of a return and in some cases will not go away. If the diagnostic does not apply to you, select the checkbox next to the warning message to mark it as complete.
All of my Critical Diagnostics are cleared or checked off and lined through, so why can't I e-file?
Marking a diagnostic as complete (checking the box, causing the diagnostic to be lined through) does not mean that the diagnostic is clear and is no longer affecting the return. If the diagnostic says "e-file" before the diagnostic message then these diagnostics will still cause the e-file to fail validation and will stop the return from being e-filed.
Why won't my diagnostic disappear?
As mentioned before not all diagnostics will apply to your clients return, some are more informational than actionable (even if they are listed as Critical). Review the diagnostic and verify if the information provided is actionable to your clients return, if so correct the return as needed. If not, select the checkbox next to the warning message to mark it as complete.
What is the More Info link appearing next to a specific diagnostic?
Save time by quickly being informed on how to resolve critical diagnostics. Specific critical diagnostics have a "More Info" link providing assistance on how to resolve. Just click the link to see the solution.